The nine planets in our horoscope control our karma, our desires and their outcomes. Each of these nine planets exerts an influence in our lives, which is called "dasa". Navagraha Pooja is undertaken to reduce the negative effects and improve the positive energies of these planets. Set of 9 sticks for Navgrahas: Ark for Sun
Palash for Moon
Khadir for Mars
Peepal for Jupiter
Apamarga for Mercury
Audambar for Venus
Sami for Saturn
Durva for Rahu
Kusha for Ketu They are used in fire ceremony (Havan) to pacify all planets.These sticks are offered to the fire by chanting shlokas which invariably end with a 'swahaa'.